Collisions

on an air track

Number 134720-EN Topic Mechanics, dynamics

Version 2017-12-08 / HS Type Student exercise Suggested for grade 11-12+ p. 1/4

197570

195050

(The image shows our upcoming air track model 195050.

Measurements are performed just as well with older models 195000 or 195010)

Objective
We investigate elastic and inelastic collisions between two carts on an air track. For both kinds of collision,
conservation of both momentum and energy are examined.

Principle
The air track enables virtually frictionless motion in 1 dimension. This ensures that the only forces acting parallel with
the track are the mutual influence between the two carts. The carts can therefore be considered an isolated system.
The two carts are launched at each other with different speeds. The masses of the carts are also varied.
The speeds of the carts are measured by two SpeedGates that can display the speed when passed. SpeedGate
remembers the previous measurement and fits perfectly with collision experiments where the cart typically passes the
photogate once on its way to the collision and once on its way back.

Equipment
(Complete equipment list on last page)
Air track with accessories and blower
Two SpeedGates

Frederiksen Scientific A/S Tel. +45 7524 4966 info@frederiksen.eu

Viaduktvej 35 · DK-6870 Ølgod Fax +45 7524 6282 www.frederiksen.eu
 Collisions on an air track
Procedure
The setup is shown on page 1. Note that the two
SpeedGates face the same direction.
Adjust the track to be horizontal. A cart on the track
should be able to stand almost still everywhere. (Very
small deviations can be neglected.)
Set the two SpeedGates to show Speed and Previous
Value.
Remember to note the sign of the speed when values
are read. The direction from front to backside is
displayed as positive.
In some cases, both carts can move in the same
direction after the collision. This calls for three speeds
to be read off the same SpeedGate; the first (pre
Measured values
Before
m1 m2 u1 u2 v1
Note: All values must be specified
with both a sign and a unit.
1a – Elastic collisions, nearly identical masses
The carts must be equipped with the elastic collision
bumpers (as seen below) but with no additional
masses. Weigh each cart carefully.
Set the two carts in motion outside the two photo-
gates so that they meet between them. Catch the
carts when they get outside the photogates again. The
two SpeedGates will now display the speeds both after
and before the collision. These measurements are
repeated a few times.
1b – Elastic collisions, different masses
Place two 50 g masses on one of the carts. Weigh both
carts precisely.
Repeat the procedure form 1a. It is a good idea to
start the heavier cart first with a somewhat lower
speed than the other. The speed of both must still be
moderate!
As a variation, you can let the heavier cart stand still
between the photogates before the collision and only
set the light one in motion. (Place the tip of a finger on
the heavy cart until the other is within 15 to 20 cm.)
p. 2/4
collision speed) of these must be written down before
the last cart passes the photogate.
All collision experiments must be performed with
sufficiently small speeds. Going too fast means that
the carts can get into contact with the track during the
collision – and the measurement is ruined and must be
repeated. (You can normally hear this.)
When finding the weight of a cart, it must be weighed
with all the relevant accessories mounted (flag,
accessories for the ends, extra masses).
The accessories for the ends must always be mounted
in both ends – or else, the cart will “surf” along with
the heavier end at front.
All results are entered in a table like the one below
(using a spreadsheet is suggested):
Calculated values
After Total momentum Total kinetic energy
v2 p Before p After EKin, Before EKin, After
2 – Inelastic collisions
Replace the bumpers with a needle and a wax tube.
Again, weigh both carts precisely.
When the carts collide they should stick together and
continue with a common speed. (Such a collision is
called a completely inelastic collision.)
Stop the “road train” when the first of the carts has
passed a SpeedGate and use this velocity for both of
them.
As before, repeat the measurements.
You may also vary the mass of a cart by adding
cylindrical
weights. (Remember to weigh the cart again.)
 Collisions on an air track p. 3/4

Theory Discussion and evaluation

The momentum p of a body is given by its mass m and
its velocity v :

∙
In any physical process, the total momentum is
conserved. As the two carts are considered an isolated
system, for this collision process we have


Can you demonstrate that there is conservation of
momentum in all the situations?
Naturally, small deviations will occur.
To assess whether a deviation is acceptable, you can
compare it with the (numerically) largest of the
momentums before the collision.
 

 Calculate the deviation as a percentage of this value.
or
 ∙    ∙    ∙    ∙ 
where m1 and m2 are the masses of the carts. The
initial velocity of the carts are u1 and u2 ; after the
collision, their velocities are v1 and v2 .
For elastic collisions, the mechanical energy is also
conserved.
As the motion happens along a horizontal line, there is
no change in potential energy; this can conveniently
be defined as zero. Looking only at the kinetic energy,
we can expand the equation
,
(Conversely, it is not reasonable to compare with the
total momentum, as this is typically composed of two
components with opposite signs. The total momentum
can therefore be close to zero, making the calculated
relative deviation very, very big.)
In which situations would you expect the kinetic
energy to be conserved?
How well do measurements agree with the
expectations?
Considering kinetic energy, the deviation can be
  ,
 compared with the total kinetic energy before the
collision.
into the following:
(Since all kinetic energies are positive (or possibly
   

∙  ∙    ∙  ∙    ∙  ∙    ∙  ∙  zero), we will not face a situation where relative
deviations are artificially inflated.)

Note the fundamental difference between these two

equations: Momentum is like velocity a signed quan-
tity, while the kinetic energy is always positive.

Calculations
Before inserting numbers into formulas you need to
ensure a consistent use of units. The easiest way may
be to make a new version of the table with all values
converted to SI units.
Fill out the four remaining columns in the table. Keep
the signs consistent.
 Collisions on an air track p. 4/4

Teacher’s notes Detailed equipment list

Concepts Specifically for the experiment
Mass 195050 Air track (incl. accessories)
Velocity 197070 Air blower
Momentum 197570 SpeedGate (Qty. 2)
Mechanical energy 195055 Mounting bracket for 197570 (Qty. 2)

Mathematical skills Standard lab equipment

Evaluation of expressions 102900 Digital scales, 300 g / 0,01 g – or similar
Percent If an older air track is used (e.g. 195000) – replace the
Using a spreadsheet two 195055 by this stand material:
000100 Retort stand base, 2,0 kg (Qty. 2)
About the equipment 000830 Retort stand rod 50 cm (Qty. 2)
SpeedGates measure the passage time between the 002310 Square bosshead (Qty. 2)
two light rays based on the front of the object
obscuring the light. The length of the two flag on the
carts are therefore unimportant.
The air track must be adjusted to be horizontal before
measurements start. This adjustment can be
performed by the students - or it can be done in
advance.
The blower should be turned up, until the carts are
clearly hovering without touching the track.
On the other hand, it is no advantage with too strong
air flows as a single jet of air can tilt the cart slightly,
giving rise to a horizontal force component.